Welcome to AW, and don't take anything below as a slam. It's blunt, but it's meant to be a serious look at this business (and on behavior on the internet).
Reality check #1. Your view of writing is grandiose, and while we all hope you achieve your writing goal, we have to direct your focus on the ground, not on the clouds. And on the ground are your written words--your books. You will be judged by your written work. No one will care if you had high school enemies (and even they can't dislodge your books). If you have been rude and made enemies on the internet, you will still be judged by your written work. If you have done anything to embarrass yourself on the internet and some jerk dredges it up, it won't take away your written work. Your worry right now should be what's right in front of you, on the ground, not the ethereal mysticism up in the clouds. If you want to reach for those clouds, you first have to wallow in the dirt with the rest of us "small time writers."
I thought I made it kinda clear in my first paragraph that I realize what a longshot this is, and it wouldn't happen instantly, if at all. I'm talking about the future here.
Although that talk about me being judged based on my own written word is quite comforting.
Reality check #3. The kind of fame you are asking about comes to probably less than 1% of the published writers out there. Realize that the other 99% of published writers are what you are calling "small time writers":
I suspect most of those published writers will find your characterization to be insulting, particularly since you will have to work your a$$ off, and be quite talented, just to be included in this club of "small time writers."
I didn't intend for "small time" to be insulting, and I apologize to any who took offense. I was only contrasting to the big ones like King and Rowling. I didn't in any way mean that other published writer who aren't household names are somehow inferior.
Also, I most certainly do not want to get into writing solely for the fame. In fact, just the opposite. I want to get into writing successfully with as little fame as possible. Why do I want to write? Well, speaking in terms of career choice, it is the one that really interests me the most, as you do something a little different everyday. Speaking in terms of just the craft, I just want to spread stories, I love writing.
As for being smart on the internet, well, that advise would've been helpful a couple years ago. I know now certain things are less than wise on the internet, too bad I couldn't have been this smart in the past. If only I had a time machine...
Hollywood actors and politicians have this tendency to do news-worthy things. Like have affairs and get involved in dodgey business dealings. They also tend to move to big cities where the media can see them. You don't have to do any of that. Live out in the sticks somewhere and keep it legal (some actors and singers opt to do just that, and don't get hounded by the media as a result).
So, in order to get fame, one has to want it? So if I just stay here in the suburbs, I'll be safe from fame?